Hyundai believes that the Veloster is doing a good job, and so it is taking the sports coupe and its Turbo version for another ride as new, second generation models for the 2019 model year. In fact, the all-new 2019 Hyundai Veloster and Veloster Turbo have just been unwrapped at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.

While Hyundai is saying that the second generation of the Veloster has been comprehensively redesigned, the exterior of the newest iteration seemed similar to its predecessor. However, there is truth to this claim, as much of the redesign was derived from the sports coupe’s enhanced proportions and volume. Compared to its predecessor, the new Veloster is longer by around 0.8 inches and wider by 0.4 inches.

While the 2019 Veloster is as tall as the previous model, its rear headroom has grown by 0.6 inches. Retaining an asymmetrical two-plus-one configuration, the new Veloster features a more muscular stance with more voluminous fenders and wheel arches. Hyundai moved both the cowl point and A-pillar rearward to link the hood line and belt line. Its coupe-like presence is made possible by its lowered roofline and coupe-inspired fender line. On the rear, the Veloster comes with a more assertive integrated diffuser.

Up front, the new Veloster sports a new three-dimensional grille with a signature cascade shape as flanked by available LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. It also features functional air curtains. LED taillights are also available, and so is a full darkened roof treatment. The rear end dons a distinctive glass hatch and center-fascia chrome exhaust tips. The 2.0-liter model has a single tip while the Turbo and R-Spec models have dual outlets.

In terms of power, the standard Veloster is powered by 2.0-liter four-cylinder Nu engine that delivers 147 hp of max output at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm. This 2.0-liter engine is mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the Veloster Turbo is still powered by 1.6-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder Gamma engine that develops 201 hp of max output and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. For the 2019 Veloster Turbo, this engine achieves peak torque at lower revs, at just 1,500 rpm (vs. 1,750 on previous model). The Gamma engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), both of which were developed in-house by Hyundai. When the DCT is picked, the Veloster Turbo gains steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters and ShiftTonic transmission gear control.

As standard, the new Veloster is equipped with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA). It is also offered with Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA) for the available LED headlights, and Driver Attention Warning (DAW) systems. Further technologies include the available Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) and Smart Cruise Control.

Customers could choose from a palette of exterior colors that includes Chalk White, Racing Red, Sonic Silver, Space Gray, Sunset Orange, Thunder Gray and Ultra Black. The interior, meanwhile, could be wrapped in cloth, cloth/leather combinations or all leather.

Press Release

HYUNDAI REVEALS ALL-NEW 2019 VELOSTER AND VELOSTER TURBO

Hyundai today unveiled its all-new Veloster and Veloster Turbo models at the North American International Auto Show. The fresh design was a collaborative effort of Hyundai designers from Seoul, South Korea and the U.S. design center in Irvine, California. The new Veloster features a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign, powertrain enhancements, and a bevy of new and improved infotainment and connectivity features. The 2019 Veloster begins production in March 2018 in Ulsan, Korea, with U.S. market availability in the second quarter of 2018.

“Our new 2019 Veloster represents an even more compelling offering for young and young-at-heart automotive enthusiasts with more expressive design, involving dynamics and cutting-edge infotainment features,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning at Hyundai Motor America. “When combined with Hyundai’s outstanding value and efficiency, the new Veloster is sure to attract a progressive new group of enthusiast buyers.”

ALL-NEW DESIGNThe Veloster merges the design appeal of a sport coupe with the versatility of an additional passenger side rear door in an asymmetrical two-plus-one configuration for easier rear-seat access. From the front, available LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights flank a striking new grille design. Functional air curtains add both a visual design cue and an active aerodynamic function. Hyundai’s signature cascade grille shape has morphed into a strong, three-dimensional design that sets the sport coupe apart.

Much of the redesign is derived from enhanced proportions and volume; the new shape clearly conveys focused dynamic performance, even standing still. Its stance is more muscular, with higher-volume fenders and wheel arches for a more planted appearance. The cowl point and A-pillar are further rearward and now connect the hood line and belt line into an integrated, powerful gesture. Available 18-inch alloy wheels aggressively fill the wheelhouse openings. Further, the roofline has been lowered for a unique profile and a distinctive coupe-inspired essence. The fender line is also more coupe-like, and the rear now has a more aggressive integrated diffuser design. Available LED taillights help complete the rear view with a high-tech appearance.

Also available is a full darkened roof treatment for a high-contrast performance appearance. Veloster’s dynamic rear design has a distinctive glass hatch and center-fascia chrome exhaust tips, with a single outlet for the 2.0-liter model and dual-outlets for Turbo and R-Spec models.

INTERIORThe asymmetrical design carries through to the interior, with a driver-focused interior layout and on the Turbo Ultimate, a contrasting color environment that visually separates the driving cockpit. Each trim level has unique colors, materials, and accents, further differentiating each model with varying hues and textures.

The 2.0-liter engine delivers a peak output of 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm (estimated) and maximum torque of 132 lb.-ft. at 4,500 rpm (estimated). The Nu 2.0-liter also features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, an electronic throttle control, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings. The 2.0-liter engine is coupled with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission. Three driver-selectable modes include Normal, Sport, and Smart, according to changing driver preferences.

Veloster Turbo is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). Both transmissions were developed in-house by Hyundai. The Veloster Turbo seven-speed dual-clutch transmission features steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters and SHIFTRONIC® transmission gear control. In addition, all Veloster Turbo models feature Active Sound Design, which enhances intake and exhaust powertrain sound character inside the cabin for a more visceral driving experience, especially during spirited driving. Turbo models also offer three selectable driving modes, including Normal, Sport and Smart, according to driver preferences for engine, transmission and steering feel.

Further, Veloster Turbo features a quicker-ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration to match, which gives drivers precise cornering, feedback and control.

DCT TRANSMISSIONHyundai’s EcoShift DCT takes the benefits of a manual transmission, such as low fuel consumption, and blends these with automatic transmission benefits, such as high comfort levels and driving ease. In addition, the DCT enables direct connection for high efficiency and uninterrupted torque transfer during shifts. The DCT also incorporates Hyundai’s Hillstart Assist Control (HAC), designed to minimize rolling backwards on steep ascents.

Veloster’s compelling combination of performance with efficiency is a formula many industry competitors are seeking to duplicate. Hyundai’s development focus on all the factors of efficient performance, such as small-displacement turbocharged engines, dual-clutch transmissions, comprehensive lightweighting, efficient aerodynamics, and reduction of parasitic engine losses through electric-powered ancillaries, have combined to yield simultaneous benefits in performance and efficiency to the consumer.

By sensing road markings, LKA helps to prevent accidental lane departure by helping to steer the vehicle as required. HBA automatically controls the high beam headlights by dimming and illuminating them automatically as needed with approaching traffic, while the Driver Attention Warning system monitors a spectrum of driver-related characteristics to detect driver fatigue or careless driving.

Veloster radar systems also assist with the available Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) to detect approaching vehicles from the rear that may be obscured from view and alert the driver of their presence during lane changes. The Rear Cross-Traffic Collison Warning (RCCW) detects when another vehicle may have entered the car’s rearward path, such as when backing out of a parking spot, and provides a driver alert. Veloster Turbo also offers available Smart Cruise Control for additional driver convenience.

All Velosters feature a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines fitted to all models for superior parking visibility. Velosters have an exceptional level of standard safety features for the sporty coupe segment highlighted by a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS).

VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist to counter this force. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides counter steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering.

All Velosters feature six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags. Velosters also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.

ADVANCED INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITYVeloster offers a full suite of sophisticated technologies paired with user-friendly functionality to keep passengers informed and entertained. The premium infotainment system offers various advanced connectivity features, including standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™. Also available are SiriusXM® Radio, HD Radio and next-generation Blue Link® LTE-powered connectivity. The standard seven-inch color LCD display includes AM/FM/MP3 touchscreen audio, auxiliary input, and Rear View Monitor. The available floating-design eight-inch touchscreen navigation display includes next-generation Blue Link, traffic flow and incident data via HD radio, and Infinity® premium audio with eight speakers, including a subwoofer and Clari-Fi ™ music-restoration technology. Smartphone integration is also included in the premium system.

A Heads-Up Display system is available, projecting a virtual image onto the transparent panel mounted behind the instrument panel and helping the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. With a generous projected-image size and outstanding luminance, the Heads-Up Display ensures both excellent day- and night-time visibility. Information projected includes speed, navigation instructions, cruise control, Lane Departure Warning and audio system information. When in Sport mode, the system projects more driver-focused information including RPM, MPH and transmission gear. Deployed vertically by a simple touch of a button beside the steering wheel, the display disappears into the dashboard when not in use.

Customers expect to be connected to their electronics at all times, so Veloster comes standard with a multifunction seven-inch touchscreen display. Veloster audio/navigation systems also offer:

Veloster Turbo features standard Infinity Premium audio with eight speakers, including a subwoofer, passive radiator and external amplifier. A SiriusXM® Satellite Radio interface is integrated into the head unit and features channel logos and data services.

Veloster also offers available smartphone wireless charging. To charge a device, simply place a compatible smartphone on the wireless-charging interface located in the center console storage, recharging without the need for cables. The system indicates when the phone has fully charged, reminds occupants to remove their phone when exiting the vehicle, and detects when a foreign object is in the recharging area that could interfere with charging. The system is fully compliant with WPC’s Qi standard for ease of use.